Intel is developing its own version of AMD’s 3D V-cache technology for its processors, however, if you’re a gamer, don’t get too excited. Intel’s new cache method won’t be used in gaming CPUs anytime soon. The company plans to introduce this technology in 2025 but it will focus only on server processors, not gaming. The new technology will be designed for servers and workstations and would represent a big change in how Intel manages cache. The choice to not create a gaming CPU like AMD’s X3D shows that Intel is focusing on more profitable markets instead of the unpredictable gaming sector. And that’s welcome news for Intel who has seemingly lost market share to Intel in almost all processor segments.
Intel’s new “cache tile” processors will use techniques similar to AMD’s 3D V-cache. This development aims to improve performance for data-heavy tasks in servers. By stacking extra cache on top of CPU cores, Intel wants to compete with AMD’s EPYC processors, known for their strong performance in technical tasks due to 3D V-cache.
Intel’s “Cache Tile” CPUs: Taking on AMD in the Server Market
Intel is developing a new type of CPU that incorporates technology similar to AMD’s 3D V-cache. This technology increases the amount of cache memory in the CPU, which helps it operate more quickly. Intel’s version is known as a “cache tile” processor. The upcoming Clearwater Forest processors from Intel could pose significant competition to AMD in the business CPU market. This development underscores the ongoing efforts of both Intel and AMD to innovate in the CPU market, striving for improved performance and efficiency.
Why is Intel Doing This?
AMD’s 3D V-cache has been very successful. It makes AMD’s CPUs much faster for some tasks. Intel wants to compete with AMD. They hope their cache tile CPUs will be faster than AMD’s.
What Will These CPUs Be Used For?
Intel’s cache tile CPUs will be used in servers. Servers are powerful computers that run websites and other online services. They need to be very fast. Cache tile CPUs can help with this.
While gamers may be disappointed that there are currently no plans for desktop processors featuring this technology, there may be opportunities for future consumer CPUs.
Will These CPUs Be Used in Gaming PCs?
No, Intel has said it will not use this technology in gaming PCs in 2025. They may use it in the future. But, for now, they are focused on the server market.
How Does This Compare to AMD’s 3D V-Cache?
| Feature | Intel Cache Tile | AMD 3D V-Cache |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Stacked cache memory | Stacked cache memory |
| Target market | Servers | Servers and gaming PCs |
| Release date | 2025 | Available now |
What Does This Mean for the Future?
This is a new technology. It is hard to say how well it will work. But, it could make a big difference in the server market. If Intel’s cache tile CPUs are successful, they could make servers much faster. This would be good for businesses and consumers.
What is Cache Memory?
Cache memory is a type of very fast memory. It is used by the CPU to store data that it needs often. This helps the CPU work faster. There are different levels of cache memory. L3 cache is the largest and slowest level. But, it is still much faster than main memory.
Short Summary:
- Intel is developing a new server processor featuring large last-level caches for technical computing.
- The company does not plan to introduce similar technologies for its gaming CPUs, such as the Core Ultra “Arrow Lake-S.”
- The upcoming cache technology aims to compete directly with AMD’s successful 3D V-Cache used in EPYC processors.
Intel has confirmed that it is working on a new line of server and workstation processors that will feature an innovative approach to cache design, reminiscent of AMD’s leading 3D V-Cache technology. The announcement, made by Florian Maislinger, Intel’s Tech Communications Manager, points to a significant shift in Intel’s strategy as it begins exploring larger last-level cache solutions, particularly for its server processors.
In a recent interview with tech influencers Der8auer and Bens Hardware, Maislinger elaborated, stating, “We are aware that this technology can bring a lot to gamers, but that always comes with certain drawbacks and certain disadvantages and compromises.” This statement underscores Intel’s focus on the server market rather than the gaming audience, a crucial distinction considering AMD’s current dominance in high-performance gaming CPUs, specifically with its 3D V-Cache-enabled Ryzen models.
Server Market Focus
Intel’s upcoming Clearwater Forest series, expected in 2025, will incorporate advanced cache tiles designed to enhance the shared L3 cache features in its server processors. This strategic move comes in response to AMD’s success with its EPYC “Genoa-X” processors, which utilize stacked 3D V-Cache technology, benefiting applications that demand high cache sensitivity, such as Ansys and OpenFOAM. The new architecture indicates that Intel aims to bolster performance in technical computing workloads, aligning its offerings with those of AMD’s leading products.
Maislinger didn’t shy away from acknowledging AMD’s achievements. “The AMD CPUs are tailored to a very specific target group, and that is gamers,” he noted. He pointed out that Intel’s decision to forgo similar technologies in consumer desktop CPUs stems from the perception that this niche represents a smaller segment of their overall market.
Plans Excluded for Gaming CPUs
Despite the positive progress with server processors, Intel made it clear that there are no plans to develop a gaming CPU akin to AMD’s X3D series, which has captured substantial market share thanks to its specialized cache design. Intel’s existing Core Ultra “Arrow Lake-S” processors have not shown a significant generational performance boost over the previous “Raptor Lake Refresh” generation, particularly in gaming scenarios. In light of this, Intel identified key areas ripe for improvement. The company hopes to roll out updates aimed at enhancing gaming performance through microcode revisions or other software-level interventions.
Intel’s reluctance to emulate AMD’s design philosophy is evident. “For us, gaming is not an extremely large mass market,” said Maislinger. This assertion reinforces Intel’s strategy to focus on high-margin segments, where performance gains can be maximized without compromising the overall architecture of their chips tailored for broader applications.
Future of Intel’s Cache Technology
The upcoming Clearwater Forest processors will likely include what Intel is calling “Local Cache,” further showcasing its innovative approach to optimizing cache structure. In contrast to AMD’s virtualized method, where cache is integrated directly adjacent to the CPU chiplets, Intel aims to implement a modular design. This involves placing cache within a foundational tile known as the Base tile while keeping the compute tiles focused entirely on processing tasks.
Intel’s ambitious plan is to produce processors with nearly 300 billion transistors, which would significantly enhance the performance and operational effectiveness of its upcoming server chips. The introduction of a dedicated cache tile for server CPUs is shaping up to be a milestone achievement for Intel, positioning the company for competitive advantage in a market increasingly influenced by workload efficiency.
Competitive Landscape
As Intel prepares for a new chapter and aims to secure its position in the competitive CPU market, AMD continues to lead, particularly among gamers and performance enthusiasts. The recent success of AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor, which features the highly acclaimed 3D V-Cache, demonstrates AMD’s ability to deliver exceptional performance in both gaming and productivity applications. Following this trend, companies like Cloudflare are adjusting their server needs to take advantage of AMD’s Genoa-X CPUs, underscoring the strong relationship between modern workloads and the efficiency gains offered by advanced cache designs.
Maislinger has expressed a clear perspective on the diminishing returns of focusing solely on high performance in gaming-oriented CPUs. It appears that Intel is prioritizing processors that ensure balanced performance across a wide range of computing tasks rather than concentrating exclusively on gaming. While AMD’s V-Cache is directly enhancing the performance of gaming CPUs, Intel’s strategy leans toward developing CPUs that excel in enterprise-level workloads, which may result in a diminished focus on the gaming market.
Consequently, it is evident that the traditional desktop market may need to adjust its expectations if Intel continues on this path.
